Antisocial personality disorder is a type of chronic mental condition in which a person's ways of thinking, perceiving situations and relating to others are dysfunctional — and destructive. People with antisocial personality disorder are oblivious of what is right or wrong and often neglect the rights, wishes and feelings of others. Persons suffering from this condition often violate the law and become criminals. They may lie, behave violently or impulsively, and have problematic use of drug and alcohol. Because of these limitations, people with this disorder typically can't fulfill their responsibilities related to family, work or education.

Steps

1

Know the possible causes.

Genes may make one vulnerable to developing antisocial personality disorder.

Unfavorable life situations may trigger its development.

Changes in the way the brain functions that may have happened during brain development may be responsible.

2

Know about the risk factors.

Diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder.

Family history of antisocial personality.

History of other personality disorders or mental illness in the family.

Getting subjected to abuse or neglect during childhood.

Violent, unstable or chaotic family life during childhood.

Male sex - men are more prone to develop the condition than women.

3

Identify the symptoms.

Disregard for the right and the wrong.

Persistent lying or deceit to exploit others.

Being callous, cynical and disrespectful of others.

Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain or personal pleasure.

Theft, arrogance, a false sense of superiority and being extremely opinionated.

Recurring problems with the law, including criminal behavior.

Repeatedly violating the rights of others through intimidation and dishonesty.

Impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead.

Hostility, irritability, agitation, aggression, violence.

Aggression towards animals.

Lack of empathy for others and lack of remorse about harming others.

Unnecessary risk-taking or dangerous behavior with no regard for the safety of self or others.

Poor or abusive relationships.

Failure to consider the negative consequences of behavior or to learn from them.

Being consistently irresponsible and repeatedly failing to fulfill work or financial obligations.

(Though antisocial personality disorder isn't typically diagnosed before the age 18, some signs and symptoms may show in childhood or the early teen years. Usually there is evidence of conduct disorder symptoms before the age of 15.)

5

Know how the condition is treated. Antisocial personality disorder is difficult to treat, Long term treatment and close follow up is recommended, which may be beneficial for some individuals. Treatment plan rests on two major pillars:

Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is sometimes used to treat antisocial personality disorder. Therapy may include anger and violence management, treatment for substance abuse, and help with other mental health conditions; but if the symptoms are severe and/or the person do not admit that she is getting involved in serious problems or is acting irresponsibly, psychotherapy may not be much effective.

Medication. There are no specific medications to treat the condition as such, but medications are used for conditions sometimes associated with antisocial personality disorder, such as anxiety or depression, or for symptoms of aggression. Medications are usually prescribed cautiously because some are easily misused by people suffering from such condition.

6

Learn how to cope.

Individuals suffering from this condition often act out and make other people's lives miserable — with no feeling of remorse. If you have a loved one with antisocial personality disorder, it's critical that you also get help for yourself.

Consult a mental health professional to learn skills about how to set boundaries and help protect yourself from the aggression, violence and anger common to antisocial personality disorder. They can also recommend strategies for coping.

Join support groups for families and friends affected by antisocial personality disorder.

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Tips

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder are not likely to seek help on their own. They may do so only at the coaxing/urging of loved ones. If you suspect a friend or family member may have the disorder, you might gently suggest that the person seek medical attention.